Part of Highway 33 Closed to Big Trucks
A portion of California 33 north of Ojai has been closed to trucks and recreational vehicles while the Matilija Creek Bridge is being refurbished, Caltrans officials said.
Trucks with trailers, RVs or any vehicles more than 10 feet in height are prohibited from driving through the area during construction, said Caltrans spokeswoman Ivy Estrada. Personal vehicles and cars less than 10 feet in height are allowed. The recommended alternate route is Interstate 5.
Some prohibited vehicles have driven through the area despite warning signs, said a Caltrans official.
The $1.7-million project, which includes the renovation of two bridges in the North Matilija Creek area, began April 1.
The work is part of an effort to replace older bridges along California 33 that do not meet current earthquake standards. Three bridges, already replaced, were completed in June, and four more will be replaced during the next year, Caltrans officials said. The overall cost for the retrofitting will be $8.8 million.
The North Matilija Creek portion of the replacement project is expected to be completed by February.
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